Your Wedding Gown – The Difference between Cleaning and Preservation

You knew it was the one as soon as you put it on. You couldn’t imagine wearing any other dress when you walked down the aisle. You found your perfect dress to marry your spouse in.  But now the big day is over, and you need to decide what to do with your gown.  

Are you going to share this treasure with someone else by either selling or donating it?  If so, then cleaning and hanging would be appropriate. First, be sure to have it cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding day; the longer you wait to clean your gown, the less likely it is that all the stains can be removed. Second, be sure to choose a certified wedding gown specialist that will guarantee and personally process your gown. 

For cleaning your dress only, be sure not to store the dress in a plastic poly bag, as they are not designed for long-term protection and can suffocate the fabric. Place your cleaned dress in a muslin or Tyvek bag to eliminate any moisture and/or trapped fumes. Consider the length of time the dress will be hanging, as the weight of the gown pulling down against the hanger could cause the gown to become misshapen.

Or do you want to preserve this timeless memory as a family heirloom or for future generations? If so, then preservation is the answer.  

For storing your gown long-term, after it has been cleaned, Shores will layer your gown with acid-free tissue, wrapping it in freshly laundered muslin, folding and placing it in an acid-free archival wedding chest, and sealing the chest with pest-proof tape. Shores will also provide a written, lifetime guarantee against yellowing or caramelized sugar stains, which is honored by the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists.

If your gown needs cleaning and/or preservation and you have questions, please bring it by one of our locations.  We will proudly care for your dress to meet your needs.